CVE-2026-7840: UltraVNC repeater HTTP server global buffer overflow via long URI (pre-auth RCE)
UltraVNC repeater through 1.8.2.2 contains a global buffer overflow in its embedded HTTP administration server. The functions wisenderr() and wireplyhdr() in repeater/webgui/webutils.c write the caller-supplied HTTP request URI into a fixed 1000-byte global buffer (hdrbuf) via unchecked sprintf calls. The HTTP receive buffer accepts URIs up to approximately 150 KB (WIRXBUFSIZE = 153600), so an unauthenticated attacker who can reach the repeater HTTP port (default TCP 80) can overflow hdrbuf by at least 500 bytes with a single HTTP request containing a URI of 1500 bytes or longer, corrupting adjacent .bss-segment globals. The overflow occurs before any authentication check, making it reachable without credentials. A remote, unauthenticated attacker can achieve arbitrary code execution on the host running the repeater.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
UltraVNC repeater (embedded HTTP administration server)to a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 1.8.2.2
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-7840?
CVE-2026-7840 has a severity rating of 9.8, classified as critical.
How do I fix CVE-2026-7840?
To mitigate CVE-2026-7840, upgrade UltraVNC to the latest version that addresses the buffer overflow vulnerability.
What does CVE-2026-7840 affect?
CVE-2026-7840 affects the UltraVNC Repeater version 1.8.2.2, specifically its embedded HTTP administration server.
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-7840?
CVE-2026-7840 is a buffer overflow vulnerability that can lead to remote code execution.
What are the potential impacts of CVE-2026-7840?
Exploitation of CVE-2026-7840 can result in unauthorized access and control over affected systems due to remote code execution.